Wave hello, the Cairns Lagoon is now open!

Published: 18th August 2026. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

After a scheduled, biennial 5-week closure, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon has reopened for everyone to enjoy.

The 4,000sqm Lagoon was closed for planned maintenance, cleaning, repairs, and signage changing and renewal. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is now open following a 5-week closure

What does the Lagoon Maintenance Program include?

Survey and rectification of render defects.
Repairs to subsidence-related concrete damage.
Sand replenishment (78 tonnes!)
Repainting of the amenities building.
Pipework and pump repairs, including valve overhauls.
Cleaning of balance and backwash tanks.
Cleaning and polishing of the lagoon's fish sculptures.
Renewal of lagoon signage.
Repairs and treatment of the timber deck.
Scheduled maintenance to the change rooms.

With a capacity of 3.5 megalitres, the Lagoon holds as much as 2.5 Olympic swimming pools and can accommodate 1000 people at a time. The family-friendly area is perfect for BBQs with family and friends in the school holidays, or for a quick dip in the morning after a run on the Esplanade.

The area surrounding the Cairns Lagoon has toilets, showers and changing rooms accessible to the public. Lifeguards patrol the pool during opening hours and there are regular yoga and water aerobics on offer.

When is the Lagoon open?